Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
05:50
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Pneumothorax secondary to foreign body inhalation in an infant
Varsha Kothari1, Nishi Sonkhya, Chetan Sharma
1SMS Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur (Rajasthan), India.
Insights
A rare case of pneumothorax in an infant was caused by inhaling a foreign object. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for successful treatment and positive outcomes in such pediatric emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Pneumothorax, a condition of air in the chest cavity, is uncommon in infants.
- Foreign body aspiration is a known cause of respiratory distress in children.
- Vegetative foreign bodies present unique challenges due to their composition and potential for fragmentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of pneumothorax in a seven-month-old child.
- To highlight the etiology of vegetative foreign body aspiration.
- To emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and management.
- Discussion of the rarity and potential complications.
Main Results:
- A seven-month-old infant presented with pneumothorax.
- The cause was identified as inhalation of a vegetative foreign body.
- Successful management was achieved through timely intervention.
Conclusions:
- Inhalation of vegetative foreign bodies can lead to severe respiratory compromise, including pneumothorax, in infants.
- Early recognition and prompt medical intervention are critical for favorable outcomes.
- This case underscores the need for vigilance in pediatric respiratory emergencies.
Abstract:
An unusual case of pneumothorax secondary to inhalation of a vegetative foreign body in a seven month old child is presented here for its rarity. Proper and timely intervention could save the child.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...